Lipid Storage and Utilization in Reptiles

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Lipids represent a biochemically efficient mechanism for storing energy to be used at a later date for maintenance and/or reproduction. This storage and utilization at different times results in seasonal patterns of lipid cycling. Reptiles exhibit a number of lipid cycling patterns which can be explained by seasonal patterns of food availability. Seasonality in food availability determines the quantity of lipids stored, when lipids are stored, and for what purposes these lipids are utilized. Lipid cycling patterns are in turn correlated with life histories.